Struggling to make ends meet? You’re not alone.
Almost four in ten (39%) Americans worry about paying their bills, a sentiment similar to that of the Great Recession (37%).
Many people who worry about their bills try to cut costs, put more expenses on credit cards, or try to earn more money with side hustles. With the job market constantly changing, finding extra sources of income is more important than ever for many families.
Fortunately, there are side hustles you can take on to make extra cash for your daily needs. Here are specific side hustles that offer flexibility, have low startup costs, and can easily fit within your busy schedule.
1. Sell Digital Products
Digital products are downloadable or streamable files, such as logos, design templates, photos, videos, music, and e-books. These are low- to no-cost ways to make extra cash.
If you have a knack for creativity, you can create digital products using free tools like Canva and GarageBand. You can also sell them on several platforms like your website, social media, and digital marketplaces. Keep in mind that in order to make sales, you may have to promote these products and learn some marketing as well.
2. Tutor Online
If you have skills in academics, sports, or the arts, consider becoming a tutor or personal instructor. Platforms like Cambly, Learn to Be, MyTutor, Preply, and TutorOcean offer opportunities for teaching.
You can help students with homework, do test prep, or teach a second language via Skype. Plus, with online teaching, you can travel while you work. On average, online tutors in the United States receive about $18.80 an hour.
3. Deliver Packages, Food, and Groceries
You can drive and deliver food, groceries, and miscellaneous packages if you have a vehicle. One benefit of this side hustle is a flexible work schedule. In the U.S., the average pay for a delivery driver is $18.45 per hour.
Various companies can hire you as a delivery driver, such as Amazon Flex, DoorDash, Grubhub, Postmates, and Uber Eats. You can also try Instacart and Spark Driver for gigs as well.
4. Become a Rideshare Driver
Another way for drivers to earn extra money is to work for a rideshare company. Uber, Lyft, and Wingz are a few popular options, and a rideshare driver in the U.S. makes an average of $21.12 per hour.
Working as a rideshare driver gives you flexible working hours, but there are a few things to consider. You’ll need to check the type of vehicle you have and make sure it meets the requirements of the rideshare company you plan to work for.
5. Dog-Walk or Pet-Sit
Are you an animal lover? This side hustle is for you. You can walk dogs and fit it easily into your schedule. Additionally, you get exercise as you make extra money. The average pay for a pet-sitting job in the U.S. is $16.05 per hour.
You can also take care of pets at home while their owners are on holiday or are working. You may need kennels or gates as well as relevant insurance and licenses. There are several pet-sitting and dog-walking platforms available, like GoWalkies, PetSitter.com, Rover, and Wag.
6. Rent Out Your House or Spare Room
Keeping your home in tip-top condition is a huge investment of time and effort. Why not monetize your home to make the most of it?
You can rent out a spare room or your house on platforms like Agoda, Airbnb, Plum Guide, and VRBO. Alternatively, you can also have someone live with you for a longer term. While the profit can be much lower, it’s a lot less effort, and the income will be more consistent.
7. Offer Digital Marketing Services
As online businesses grow, the demand for digital marketing services increases. Many businesses seek freelancers for content creation, website optimization, and social media management. On average, the annual salary of a social media manager in the U.S. is $66,800.
Email marketing, in particular, is highly profitable. Popular platforms include AWeber, Constant Contact, ConvertKit, LeadPages, and MailChimp. To become a digital marketer, build a portfolio of your previous work or create a demo website to showcase your skills.
8. Become a Content Creator
Why not create entertainment videos, helpful guides, and product reviews for Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube? You can monetize them and enjoy an additional source of income.
For example, you can earn from a Facebook Reels video with 100,000 reel plays within 30 days. You can also gain money from YouTube if you have 1,000 subscribers and attract 4,000 watch hours in a year. In the U.S., a content creator makes $120,131 annually on average.
9. Start a Blog
Do you enjoy writing and sharing information with others? Start a blog and focus on your niche of interest, such as food, beauty, travel, etc. You can earn an average of $29.94 per hour in the U.S.
You can earn from ads and affiliate sales once you attract traffic. However, you need to buy a domain and build a website using tools like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace. Alternatively, you can publish your work directly to your audience using Substack, where you can earn money through recurring subscriptions.
10. Take Surveys
Many market research firms look for survey participants and pay them for their opinions. This is an easy and low-cost way to make money in your spare time.
Some surveys pay $3 each, while others pay $50 or more, depending on the company. In the U.S., participating in an online survey can pay you $25 per hour on average. There are many opportunities to take paid surveys on Branded Surveys, Filling, iSay, PopulusLive, Swagbucks, and Survey Junkie.
11. Test Apps and Websites
App developers and website designers seek and pay users to review their products. Some pay $10 for 20 minutes, while others pay $100 per test, depending on the company. Per hour, website testers in the U.S. can earn $10.82 to $62.74.
Testing apps and websites is an easy side hustle. Various platforms are available, such as Enroll, UserCrowd, Userlytics, and UserTesting.
12. Sell Handmade Goods
Are you into baking, painting, knitting, carpentry, or other hobbies? You can work on passion projects and make money out of them.
Try selling ready-made or made-to-order handmade goods at local fairs and markets. You can also sell them on various online platforms, like Etsy, Square, Shopify, and your social media accounts.
13. Wash and Detail Cars
Washing cars is something most people can do. It only requires basic cleaning supplies, which you might already have.
Start by offering your services to family, neighbors, and friends to build your client base and get referrals through word-of-mouth. You can also distribute flyers in your neighborhood or promote your services on social media. Platforms like Jobble offer many hourly labor jobs, which can help you find more opportunities.
14. Become a Local Tour Guide
The travel and tourism industry is a multi-billion industry, with 1.3 billion inbound tourist arrivals globally last year alone. If you live in a popular tourist destination, you can earn money by becoming a tour guide. A tour guide in the U.S. makes $18.81 per hour on average.
To become a local tour guide, familiarize yourself with the most unique and interesting places in your community. Create a detailed tour plan and gather facts and stories about these places to share with tourists.
15. Sell Pre-Loved Items
Another way to earn extra money is to sell used items or goods you no longer use. These include furniture, household appliances, outgrown toys, vintage clothing, and collectibles.
You can also sell items for others and earn a commission or buy thrift goods to resell. Consider holding a garage sale or using online platforms like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace.
16. Become a Fitness Coach
Home workouts like cardio, HIIT, and strength training are popular fitness options nowadays. You can be a fitness coach and offer classes online via Zoom, Instagram Live, and other platforms.
As a fitness coach, you will develop workout routines and meal plans for your clients. However, you may need some certifications first. Your salary can range from $9.86 to $60.58 in the U.S.
17. Become an Interior Decorator
If you are keen on home decor and organization, you can be an interior decorator. You will provide layouts, renovation plans, and shopping lists for clients. You will need basic knowledge of colors and fabrics, creating floor plans, taking measurements, and working with a budget.
Build a portfolio by offering interior services to your family and friends first. Then, create a professional website showcasing your works and clients’ reviews. The average pay in the U.S. is $33.29 per hour.
18. Offer Child or Companion Care
You can babysit for your neighbors when they go out or watch your friend’s kid after school. Try babysitting websites like Sittercity and Care.com, or post your services on social media. On average, you can make $17.62 per hour in the U.S.
For elder care, tasks include buying groceries and taking them to doctor’s appointments. You can make a quick visit in the evening and run a few errands for clients after your full-time job. In the U.S., an elderly companion receives an average of $17.53 an hour.
